Larry “Dusty” Crosley, a beacon of creativity and love, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on May 6, 2024, at the age of 50 in his hometown of Brazil, Indiana. Born on July 17, 1973 to Larry and Juanita (Julbert) Crosley, Dusty was a man whose intelligence and passion for life touched all who knew him.
Dusty graduated from Northview High School in 1991, leaving behind a legacy encapsulated in his senior quote, “Become a rockstar, travel the world, and meet women.” True to his words, Dusty’s life was a vibrant tapestry of music and artistry. His career was as diverse as his interests; he was the imaginative force as a print shop manager at Tshirt-1 and a concept artist, designing websites, role-playing games, and sci-fi book covers that captivated the minds of many.
During and after high school, Dusty’s love for music took center stage as he began playing in a band, showcasing his talents on the bass, guitar, and as a lead singer. His most memorable event was a performance at Ted’s Warehouse. Dusty’s youth was also marked by his enthusiasm for baseball, playing for the Clay Youth League, where he demonstrated the same team spirit that he carried throughout his life.
Halloween was a special time for Dusty; his love for horror movies was only surpassed by his joy in decorating and creating haunted houses that thrilled and chilled his community. In his spare time, he channeled his creativity into making Halloween masks with one of his best friends Terry, which were shipped and cherished across the globe.
A true history buff, Dusty had a particular fascination with the Cold War era, often engaging in thoughtful discussions and sharing his knowledge with others, especially with his sister Cindy. His intelligence shone through in his deep understanding of historical events and their impacts on the world.
One of the most important parts of Dusty’s week was visiting with his daughter and grandsons every Saturday morning. In January of 2024, Dusty was told that he was terminally ill. In March, he was doing very well and had a case of Cabin Fever. Being that he had only ever been on one vacation in his life, and he had never seen the ocean, he decided he wanted to go on a trip to Myrtle Beach. So, Dusty, Cindy, and Kaci headed to Myrtle Beach and made unforgettable memories. The highlight of this trip was marking off an item that was at the top of his list, shopping at Toy Federation. Dusty collected vintage toys, and Toy Federation was like the Taj Mahal for vintage toy collectors. The employees there gave him a tour and made him feel like he was family.
Those who knew Dusty will remember him as a man of boundless creativity, intelligence, and love. His ability to envision and bring to life the fantastical worlds of his imagination was only matched by his capacity to form deep and meaningful relationships with those around him.
Larry “Dusty” Crosley lived a life that was a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions and the beauty of sharing those passions with the world. He will be deeply missed, but the melodies he composed, the art he created, and the joy he spread will continue to inspire and comfort those who had the privilege of knowing him.
As we bid farewell to Dusty, we take solace in the knowledge that his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched with his creativity and love. His journey may have ended in the same town where it began, but the stories and memories he has left behind will forever travel far and wide, much like the rockstar he aspired to be.
Dusty is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Herb and Beulah Julbert and paternal grandparents, Roy and Irene McDonald.
Dusty is survived by his three children, Wade Langley (Taylor), Shelby Crosley, and Kaci Crosley (Andy Young), six grandchildren, Maylee, Abe, Raylen, Ripkyn, Rowyn and Lenny, parents, Larry and Juanita Crosley, one sister, Cindy Carrington (Adam), one niece, Hailey, as well as many aunts and uncles. Dusty is also survived his four-legged best friend, Pooh Bear.
Dusty’s life was a song, a canvas, a story written with the vibrant colors of his personality and talents. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded to cherish the moments, embrace our passions, and live with the same zest and love that Dusty exemplified every day. Rest in peace, Larry “Dusty” Crosley. Your spirit will forever dance in the hearts of those you’ve left behind.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 11th at 12 P.M. at Restlawn Cemetery in Brazil. A Celebration of Life will take place immediately following the graveside service at Dick Johnson Township Fire Department, 1995 West County Road 1200 North in Brazil.